Late Winter Chores - More on Pruning
by Dan Eskelson on Apr 30, 2012
Hooray! - it's almost time to get off my rear and go out to prune my trees and shrubs. The only outdoor exercise I've had all winter is shoveling a bit of snow and splitting a little wood. The cure for cabin fever is insight.
For those of you who are new to the art and science of pruning, take a look at some introductory concepts online. So much good is accomplished by proper pruning technique, but so much damage can be inflicted by ignorance - this is one gardening technique that you really must understand thoroughly. Or you should understand enough to know when to seek professional advice or services. Any work that requires a chain saw should be left to a professional, unless you are very adept at this work *and* understand the principles of pruning.
Ideally, all your pruning cuts are made when growth is very young, so hand shears and long-handled pruning loppers are the main tools. If you *do* have some old, neglected trees, take care not to bring them to ideal shape in one pruning session. Severely altering the root to top growth balance can shock older trees, possibly causing serious damage. I have always spread out this type of remedial pruning to two or three seasons. If you're the hardy type that doesn't mind the cold, you can prune now, as long as the temperature is above 18 degrees - below that temperature wood will be brittle, and cuts may not be clean.
A chore that often follows pruning is dormant oil application. This is the most important insect control of the entire year...and it's completely non-toxic. The oil, when applied properly to dormant trees and shrubs, suffocates over-wintering insect eggs. By eliminating the insects before they hatch, you'll save yourself a lot of trouble later on. I use a product called Crocker's Fish Oil. It not only will suffocate the insect eggs, but also will feed the plant with a natural source of nitrogen and other essential nutrients. Though not common in the "mega stores" or even most nurseries, you can order organic agriculture through the internet.
If you didn't do it in fall, now is a good time for garden "housekeeping". Clean up piles of leaves, broken branches, rotten fruit, and other organic matter that may be sheltering overwintering insects. Inspect, oil, and sharpen your hand tools, and inspect and perform necessary maintenance on power tools. Once the gardening season arrives, you won't want to be cursing at your mower, tiller, or edger because it won't start. Well, I'm sure you can find some other chores at your place to keep your spirits soaring toward Spring. Some time in the next month or two, we'll realize that Spring is here, and there is a whole lot of things to get done.
Popular Articles
Three Places to Spend Money on the Exterior of Your Home
When you have the exterior of your home remodeled, you are investing, time, energy and convenience into the project and you want to make sure that...
96219 Views
Homemade Headboards-Make an Upholstered or Wooden Headboard
Homemade headboards can add a lot of personality to any bedroom. They can be coordinated with existing furniture and room decor or they can be the...
74536 Views
When to Use a Brush, Roller or Sponge Brush
Brushes are a good choice for painting trim and woodwork. They are also useful for cutting in the edges around the top and bottom edges and corners...
71862 Views
Creating a Cottage Kitchen with Bead Board
Kitchen decor can range from modern and bold to elegant and elaborate by using strategic kitchen pieces. One of the most popular decorating trends...
52976 Views
Gas Fireplace Diagnostics and Troubleshooting
Follow these steps for diagnosing and troubleshooting Gas Fireplaces repairs. For the average DIYer, this may seem intimidating, depending on the...
30676 Views
Latest Articles
How Much Does It Cost To Take A Bath?
Plumbers know that a bath may seem like a relaxing luxury, but the real cost extends far beyond your water bill. The average soak uses 35 to 50...
on Apr 8, 2025
10 Concrete Patio Ideas on a Budget
A concrete patio can be a game-changer for your outdoor space. It is durable, versatile, and can be customized to fit your style. But what if you...
on Mar 25, 2025
Tips for Creating a Stunning Personalized Photo on Canvas
Order the unique beauty of a personalized photo on canvas and bring your memories to life. With a customized photo on canvas, you can transform...
on Mar 7, 2025
Best Areas to Buy Property in Singapore for Long-Term Growth
Singapore's real estate market remains one of the most stable and lucrative in the world. With limited land supply, strong governmental...
on Feb 18, 2025
Troubleshooting Excess Water in Your HVAC Secondary Condensate Drain Pan
When maintaining your air conditioning system, it is easy to overlook the condensate drain pan - until excess water starts pooling in places where...
on Jan 12, 2025
Featured Articles
What Type of Licensed Contractor Should You Hire?
on Feb 28, 2017
Hire Contractors / Estimates

Looking for a specialty project? There are many types of contractors available for your home improvement needs. Finding the right type of...
Sponsored Articles
Best Areas to Buy Property in Singapore for Long-Term Growth
on Feb 18, 2025
Real Estate / Finance

Singapore's real estate market remains one of the most stable and lucrative in the world. With limited land supply, strong governmental...
Actions
Top Categories
- Garden / Landscaping / Patio — 264
- Kitchen / Bathrooms — 240
- Real Estate / Finance — 203
- Appliance / Repair — 186
- Interior Design / Decor — 184
- HVAC / Air Conditioning — 148
- Cleaning / Maintenance — 144
- Improvements / Remodeling — 131
- Plumbing / Basements — 118
- Floors / Tile / Hardwood — 116
- Doors / Garages — 113
- Safety / Security — 113
Articles Archive
More DIY Articles
Design Cues and Expectations for Modern Office Furniture
Modern office furniture has to do two things: it has to present the right image, and it has to work. In other words, it must follow those two...
Taking Care of Brussel Sprouts
Growing Brussels sprouts will be much easier if you take care of the plants properly. With proper tending and maintenance, the sprouts will grow...
Black Mold Inspection and Remediation in Your Home
Poor indoor air quality can overwhelm your home. Black mold is a primary indoor environmental concern for many homeowners. According to the...
Five Ways to Save Money on Office Space
Starting a business of your own can be exciting, but you have to make sure you don’t go overboard with the spending. In the end, your goal is not...
5 Things to Consider When Buying Ceiling Light Fixtures
The lighting in your home can achieve many things and when used in the right way it can transform the look of a room, change the atmosphere and...